Kevin Leavy stepping down as Blackhawk Technical College Board chair

JANESVILLE — Kevin Leavy is resigning his seat as chairman of the Blackhawk Technical College Board effective Friday, May 30.

"It meant a great deal being able to assist BTC in finding ways to provide a quality education for students," Leavy said.

Jackie Pins, assistant to the president and district board at the college, said Leavy held the seat on the BTC board for an elected official. Because Leavy resigned his seat on the Beloit City Council, he also must resign the BTC board seat.

Leavy's term was due to end in June, Pins said.

"Since he only has one month left, the vice-chair will chair the June meeting," Pins said. "The July meeting will elect officers for the year and a new chair will be elected for 12 months. Even if Kevin had remained, he would have been ineligible for the chair since he has served in that role for two consecutive years."

Leavy had served on the board since July 1, 2005, Pins said.

"He contacted us the day after he resigned the Beloit City Council seat," Pins said. "This shouldn't affect day-to-day operations at all. We've had vacancies in the past."

Leavy said his busy work schedule as the public information officer for the Janesville School District led to the decision.

He was hired by the school district Dec. 11. He formerly was director of food services for ARAMARK Corp.

Leavy said he is hopeful his successor is up to the challenge of finding ways to increase enrollment and operate with less funding. His successor should have skills in teamwork, leadership and dedication, he said.

Tom Eckert, president of the college, released a statement saying the college was “grateful” for Leavy's service to the board.

"I certainly appreciate the time Mr. Leavy has given and the dedication he's shown BTC over the years," Eckert wrote. "These are unpaid, volunteer positions, and board members give freely their time to help the college serve the citizens of this district."

Barbara Tillman, vice chairwoman on the board, said the board will miss Leavy's expertise in budgets and workforce development.

"He has a good understanding of the issues we face," Tillman said. "He is good at consensus building and analyzing a problem. Kevin will be missed, but we look forward to transitioning with a new elected official."

Leavy's seat on the board will remain vacant until September, Pins said. The appointment process begins with an application period of two weeks. An appointment committee will review the applicants. Green and Rock county board chairs will whittle the group to a handful of finalists. All finalists will attend a public hearing before the appointment committee makes its final decision.

Pins said the applicant must be a resident of Green or Rock county and be an elected official. The college will release information on the vacancy in the coming weeks, she said.